Eye infections caused by Acanthamoeba spp. have been most commonly traced to which factor?

Eye infections caused by Acanthamoeba spp. have been most commonly traced to which factor?

• A. Use of soft contact lenses
• B. Use of hard contact lenses
• C. Use of contaminated lens care solutions
• D. Failure to remove lenses while swimming

Answer: (C)

Eye infections caused by Acanthamoeba spp. are most commonly associated with the use of contaminated lens care solutions. Acanthamoeba is a free-living amoeba found in various environments, including freshwater and soil. It can become a risk factor for eye infections particularly when contact lenses are used, as improper hygiene and contamination of lens care solutions can introduce the pathogen directly to the eye. When lens care solutions are not properly stored or become contaminated with the amoeba, users can inadvertently expose their eyes to Acanthamoeba during lens cleaning or storage. This exposure can lead to severe keratitis, an infection of the cornea that is difficult to treat and can result in vision loss. The importance of maintaining clean and properly handled lens care solutions is emphasized to prevent such infections. While soft contact lenses, hard contact lenses, and swimming with lenses can also pose risks, studies and clinical case reports have shown that it is the contamination of the lens care solutions that is a primary contributing factor for Acanthamoeba-related eye infections.

Eye infections caused by Acanthamoeba spp. are most commonly associated with the use of contaminated lens care solutions. Acanthamoeba is a free-living amoeba found in various environments, including freshwater and soil. It can become a risk factor for eye infections particularly when contact lenses are used, as improper hygiene and contamination of lens care solutions can introduce the pathogen directly to the eye.

When lens care solutions are not properly stored or become contaminated with the amoeba, users can inadvertently expose their eyes to Acanthamoeba during lens cleaning or storage. This exposure can lead to severe keratitis, an infection of the cornea that is difficult to treat and can result in vision loss. The importance of maintaining clean and properly handled lens care solutions is emphasized to prevent such infections.

While soft contact lenses, hard contact lenses, and swimming with lenses can also pose risks, studies and clinical case reports have shown that it is the contamination of the lens care solutions that is a primary contributing factor for Acanthamoeba-related eye infections.